Thermae Bath Spa
Unusual Things to Do
Thermae Bath Spa in Hot Bath Street, Bath: a natural thermal spa with an open-air rooftop pool. Age limits, booking, getting there and access.
Bathing in the thermal water
Thermae Bath Spa is the place in Bath where you go to bathe, rather than look. The spa calls itself Britain’s original natural thermal spa, and its signature feature is an open-air rooftop pool that it says you can use by day or by night. Treatments are available too, and the spa runs separate Cross Bath swim sessions and exclusive-use bookings, which are listed on its website.
It is based at the Hetling Pump Room on Hot Bath Street, in central Bath. This is a different visit from the Roman Baths, a council-run archaeological site, and from Bath Abbey, a working church. Treat the spa as its own outing rather than something to squeeze in between sightseeing stops.
The water
The spa describes itself as Britain’s only day spa that uses Bath’s natural thermal waters. The water falls as rain, sinks about 2 km, is heated to an estimated 69 C and rises through three springs in the city centre: the Cross Spring, the Hetling Spring and the King’s Spring, which also supplies the Roman Baths. At the surface it averages 45 C and cools to about 34 C for bathing. Together the springs deliver over one million litres of mineral-rich water a day. A minimal amount of chlorine is added for public bathing safety.
Age limits and booking
The minimum age of admission is 16, and the spa asks for proof of age on entry. Treatments are for people aged 18 and over. The spa has a “Book Now” page for time slots and a reservations line on 01225 33 1234. Opening times for the main spa and the Cross Bath are on the spa’s website, so check them before you travel.
Getting there
Thermae Bath Spa is within walking distance of all central car parks and the park and ride stops. The Lansdown, Odd Down and Newbridge services drop off 5 to 10 minutes’ walk from the entrance. By train, direct services from London Paddington to Bath Spa take around 80 minutes. Bath has a charging clean air zone, which matters if you drive in from junction 18 of the M4.
Access
The spa publishes an accessibility document on its website. Call the venue on 01225 33 1234 if you need to ask about the building or the pools before you book. Ask about dogs before you plan to bring one. For where to stay and what else to see nearby, start with the town page for Bath.
Where to stay near Thermae Bath Spa
Sample dates: 16 October 2026 - 18 October 2026. Adjust below to see live prices for Somerset.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
- What is the minimum age at Thermae Bath Spa?
- The spa's minimum age of admission is 16, and proof of age is required on entry. For treatments the minimum age is 18.
- Do I need to book Thermae Bath Spa?
- The spa has an online booking page for time slots and a reservations line on 01225 33 1234. Check the spa's website or ring before you travel to see whether your session needs a booked slot.
- Can I bring a dog to Thermae Bath Spa?
- Check with the venue before you travel: ring 01225 33 1234 and ask.
- Where do I park for Thermae Bath Spa?
- The spa says it is within walking distance of all central car parks and the park and ride stops. Bath has a charging clean air zone, so check whether your vehicle has to pay before you drive in.